Proterro’s unique photobioreactor is robust, modular and made from off-the-shelf materials. It integrates systems for optimizing light, water supply and sugar collection, providing for the cultivation of Proterro’s patent-protected, sugar-producing cyanobacteria and the harvest of a fermentation-ready sucrose stream.

In addition to this latest patent from the USPTO, Proterro has received its first international patent; Mexico Patent No. 310854, which mirrors the U.S. patent issued to Proterro that protects Proterro’s sucrose-producing cyanobacteria (U.S. Patent No. 8,367,379).

Four photobioreactors, which are being developed with ILC Dover, the NASA spacesuit maker that specializes in advanced fabrics and engineered inflatables, are currently deployed at the company’s pilot plant in Orlando, Florida.